News

Villagers' housing plan fears

CONCERNED villagers fear a rush of new development could follow if plans for six new homes in Upper Rissington are granted.

Developers Linden Homes and Bovis Homes have submitted plans to Cotswold District Council for the demolition of the village hall, in Hawker Square, to make way for private and affordable houses.

The site lies at the heart of a new housing development of 368 homes, shops and leisure facilities granted on appeal in February 2010.

A Hawker Square resident, who asked not to be named, said: “They [Linden and Bovis] also own the land behind the shop.

The worry is if they get planning for this they will then build behind the shop – then where will it stop?” she asked.

Upper Rissington Parish Council is holding an extraordinary meeting to discuss the plans - which has now been changed at the last minute to Wednesday, August 6 at 7.30pm in the village hall and members of the public are welcome.

A spokesperson from Linden Homes Thames Valley, said: “We can confirm that a joint planning application from Linden Homes and Bovis has been submitted for six new homes on the site of the old village hall which is in a state of disrepair.

“As part of the usual planning process, local residents will be consulted on the proposed plans.

A new state of the art community centre and village hall will replace the old building in a new area of the development, along with other new facilities including a primary school.

“As part of the outline planning consent for Victory Fields, the area to the rear of the existing shop has been identified for potential healthcare use. We are working with our commercial agents to find a suitable occupier.”

Bovis Homes was unavailable for comment as the The Journal went to press